The Wear-Tyne derby is a football spectacle filled with iconic and, at times, unsightly events. As Sunderland and Newcastle face off in the FA Cup, let’s revisit some of the most explosive and controversial moments in the history of this fierce rivalry.
Pitch Invasion Chaos
In the eighth meeting between Sunderland and Newcastle in 1901, excitement reached unprecedented levels. Sunderland had a chance to secure the title if they defeated Newcastle. However, the match was called off as approximately 70,000 fans flooded St. James’ Park, a stadium designed for only 30,000. The overwhelmed police force led to the game’s abandonment. Despite Newcastle being deemed guilty, Sunderland still clinched the league title.
Fan Ban
By 1996, the Wear-Tyne derby had become so contentious that both clubs and the police jointly decided to ban fans from attending games at their rival’s grounds. Driven by security fears and a lack of trust in fan behavior, this move marked a low point for the fixture and resulted in subdued atmospheres for attending fans.
Hardyman’s Controversial Kick
The two-legged 1990 play-off semi-final between Newcastle and Sunderland was a high-stakes encounter. After Newcastle goalkeeper John Burridge saved a late penalty, Sunderland’s Paul Hardyman, seeing red in injury time, kicked Burridge in the face. Hardyman was immediately sent off, and while Burridge wasn’t seriously injured, Sunderland went on to win the reverse match 2-0 at St James’ Park. However, they lost the final at Wembley against Swindon.
The Notorious Horse Punch
After Newcastle’s 3-0 loss to Sunderland in 2013, chaos erupted in the city center. Following police intervention, 45-year-old Barry Rogerson was arrested for assaulting a police horse. He received a one-year prison sentence and a six-year football banning order. The horse, named Bud, was unharmed and even returned to duty for the next Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light.
As the latest chapter unfolds in the Sunderland vs Newcastle saga in the FA Cup, these historical moments add layers of intensity to an already fierce rivalry. Expect the unexpected as these two sides clash once again.
